Lionheart

"Thank you. You were right. I had to tell the Clan myself. You have a good spirit, young one. When it is time for you to receive your warrior name, tell Sunfall I would have named you Lionheart."

— Pinestar to Lionpaw in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 310

Lionheart is a big,^[12] broad-shouldered,^[13] bulky,^[14] pale^[15] golden tabby tom^[2] with green eyes.^[16] He has thick,^[3] tufty fur,^[17] and thick fur^[2] around his neck,^[3] like a lion's mane.^[2]

History

In the Super Editions

Moth Flight's Vision

Although unnamed, he is seen giving Firestar one of his nine lives in one of Moth Flight's visions. He exchanges unheard words to the ginger tom, before the golden tom touches his starry muzzle to the other's head.

Bluestar's Prophecy

Lionkit and his sister, Goldenkit, are born to Speckletail four moons after Bluekit and Snowkit are born. He shares the nursery with Thistlekit, Rosekit, and Sweetkit. When Speckletail gives him and Goldenkit some mice as Bluepaw cleans out the nursery, he offers to eat his sister's share after she complains that it is too chewy. Speckletail tells him to go and get some fresh-kill of his own from the pile, and he eagerly agrees.

When the other kits are herded outside, Lionkit is already outside. When Goosefeather receives the sign on the vole's fur, Lionkit challenges him, despite Speckletail attempting to hold him back with her tail.

Since leaf-fall had brought many cold nights, when Bluepaw is going outside, it is said that she envies Lionkit's fluffy, thick, golden coat. Eventually, he becomes an apprentice, mentored by Swiftbreeze. Lionpaw tells Bluepaw during a hunting patrol not to be grumpy, and that her sister Snowpaw has good ideas. He goes on about how he loves snowy days, much to Bluepaw's annoyance as she mutters that he loves everything and is always cheerful no matter what.

At Lionpaw's first Gathering, Bluepaw is surprised that Lionpaw doesn't seem nervous at all. During a training session, Swiftbreeze tells Bluepaw that Lionpaw needs to learn to think before he rushes into things. When learning to do a half-turn belly rake, Lionpaw twists too early and doesn't think about the move. When he gets the move right, Bluepaw admires the strength in his muscles.

Later, when Bluepaw and Snowpaw are chased by a fox and a burning branch scares the fox away, Speckletail is angry and worried when she sees Lionpaw looking at the burning branch, and chases him away from it. Bluepaw also thinks about Lionpaw playing in the clearing when debating whether to fight the fox or flee into camp.

Lionpaw patrols the RiverClan border with Bluefur, who is now a warrior, and calls the lurking RiverClan cats cowards, much to Swiftbreeze's annoyance. When Bluefur questions Lionpaw about Pinestar, he is awkward and dismayed and doesn't truly answer Bluefur's questions. He is sick with envy when Rosepaw passes two assessments in as many days and complains to Bluefur that she would become a warrior before him. Lionpaw is part of the patrol that fights off RiverClan when they try to take some of their territory, and is the one to bring a message back to camp.

When Swiftbreeze is expecting her kits, Sunfall takes over his training. Later, Lionpaw discovers Pinestar's secret of taking food from a Twoleg. When Pinestar tells Lionpaw to keep it a secret, he agrees.

Later on, he discovers that Pinestar is going to become a kittypet. Instead of telling the Clan, Lionpaw keeps Pinestar's secret. Despite his efforts to keep his secret, Pinestar finally reveals to the Clan that he is leaving to become a kittypet. As Pinestar leaves, Lionpaw asks the Clan if they would like a leader who no longer wishes to lead. Pinestar tells Lionpaw to tell Sunfall that he would've named him Lionheart. Later, Lionpaw earns his warrior name and becomes Lionheart, as Pinestar wished.

Tigerkit expresses a liking in Lionheart. He asks him to tell him everything about the Gathering at Lionheart's first Gathering as a warrior, but Lionheart tells him that he'll be asleep when he gets back. The day Whitestorm becomes a warrior, Lionheart leads a hunting patrol with Bluefur, Thrushpelt, and Goldenflower. He is also part of the patrol that talks RiverClan into giving up Sunningrocks. He is seen eating with Goldenflower, Whitestorm, and Bluefur in celebration of winning Sunningrocks without a fight. Lionheart was also seen eating a scrawny shrew with Whitestorm many moons later during a prey-poor leafbare, and is last seen sharing tongues with Bluestar that day at dusk.

In the manga section at the end of the book, Lionheart is seen with Whitestorm bringing Rusty to the ThunderClan camp. When Longtail challenges Rusty, Lionheart encourages Rusty to fight back, as seen in Into the Wild.

In The Prophecies Begin arc

Into the Wild

Lionheart, his apprentice, Graypaw, and Clan leader, Bluestar, are on a border patrol close to Twolegplace. Graypaw wanders away from the patrol and gets in a fight with a kittypet named Rusty. Lionheart and Bluestar watch them, and reveal themselves once the fight is over. Lionheart is angry with his apprentice for getting so close to Twolegplace, then tells Rusty he is not allowed to hunt in ThunderClan territory, and should go home to his Twolegs. However, when Bluestar decides to offer Rusty a place in the Clan, Lionheart agrees with her, and tells him that he will meet Rusty the next day at sunhigh to hear his decision.

Lionheart is convinced that Rusty will not take up on the offer, but he is surprised when the next day Rusty is there waiting for him. He, along with Whitestorm, lead him to the ThunderClan camp. He is more friendly towards Rusty than the day before, telling him about the Clan and the warrior code, and describing the camp and the dens. When Longtail challenges Rusty, Lionheart encourages him to prove himself instead of backing down from the challenge, and that they can all smell his fear.

After Redtail is killed during a battle with RiverClan over Sunningrocks, Lionheart is appointed deputy in his place by Bluestar. Lionheart is another one of Bluestar's most trusted warriors.

He, along with Tigerclaw, act as mentors to Rusty, now renamed Firepaw. The next day, the two warriors show Firepaw the ThunderClan territory, presenting the borders to him.

At a Gathering, he talks to Graypaw and Firepaw about the three legendary Clans, LionClan, TigerClan, and LeopardClan, the great cats who are regarded as the ancestors of the present-day Clans. Interested, a ShadowClan apprentice, Littlepaw, although unnamed, joins the conversation. Lionheart asks him how old he is, and Littlepaw looks nervous, saying six moons. Lionheart notes that Littlepaw is rather small for six moons, and the young apprentice says his mother was also small. It was later revealed that Littlepaw was forced into becoming an apprentice early by Brokenstar.

Lionheart is badly injured when ShadowClan attacked the ThunderClan camp. He is taken care of by Spottedleaf, but he later dies of his wounds. The whole Clan sits vigil for him, and Bluestar is especially distraught. Later, Bluestar appoints Tigerclaw as deputy in his place. He died the bravest death - to die like a warrior in battle.

Fire and Ice

On the way to a Gathering, Fireheart remembers his first journey to Fourtrees with Tigerclaw and Lionheart, and feels a pang of sadness at remembering the warmhearted warrior. He thinks of how Lionheart had been killed in battle, and Tigerclaw had taken his place. Fireheart recalls how on his first Gathering, Lionheart had taken the apprentices on a roundabout route, through Tallpines, past Sunningrocks, and along the RiverClan border.

When Bluestar assigns Fireheart as Cinderpaw's mentor, she tells him to pass on the skills that Tigerclaw, Lionheart, and she herself taught him. At the mention of the former deputy, Fireheart pictures Lionheart looking down at him from Silverpelt with warm, encouraging eyes. When Graystripe becomes Brackenpaw's mentor, Bluestar says that their lost friend Lionheart was his mentor, and she hopes that he will pass his wisdom onto his new apprentice.

Forest of Secrets

When Tigerclaw is being banished from ThunderClan, Fireheart explains to the Clan how the dark warrior had been angry when Lionheart was chosen by Bluestar as deputy, but that when Lionheart died fighting ShadowClan, Tigerclaw achieved his ambition.

The Darkest Hour

Lionheart is among the StarClan cats who appear to give Fireheart his nine lives during his leadership ceremony. He is seen young and strong, his coat shining with pale fire. He gives Fireheart the first of his nine lives with the gift of courage, so that he can use it well in defense of the Clan.

In The New Prophecy arc

Sunset

He appears briefly along with Bluestar and Yellowfang in one of Leafpool's dreams, telling her that her life will soon change unexpectedly, and that she will travel down a path few medicine cats have before her. They also warn her of a dark future beyond StarClan's control. Lionheart is kind to Leafpool, licking her between the ears, his presence and scent giving her strength.

In the Power of Three arc

The Sight

He is among the StarClan cats that greet Leafpool when she and Jaypaw visit the Moonpool.

Eclipse

He is seen very briefly when Jaypaw visits StarClan's hunting grounds alone.

In the Omen of the Stars arc

The Fourth Apprentice

He, along with Bluestar, Spottedleaf, Yellowfang, and Feathertail, appear in the prologue, deciding whether to send a sign to Dovepaw, Lionblaze, and Jayfeather to tell them that Dovepaw is the One. While Bluestar disagrees, saying they shouldn't meddle with it, the others agree, and Yellowfang sends Dovepaw an "omen of the stars."

Night Whispers

In the prologue, Lionheart is seen discussing the battle between ShadowClan and ThunderClan with Bluestar, Fernshade, Oakheart, Mudclaw, Mudfur, Sagewhisker and Yellowfang.

Sign of the Moon

Lionheart is seen with Whitestorm, Snowfur and Mosskit in StarClan. He is sharing tongues with Whitestorm.

The Last Hope

Lionheart is one of the StarClan cats who comes down to fight with the Clans. He appears when Firestar tells Runningwind and Dustpelt to chase some of the Dark Forest warriors back to the Dark Forest. Lionheart says he'll come too, commenting that he hasn't chased "that kind of prey" in a while.

In the Field Guides

Secrets of the Clans

Lionpaw is listed as Sunstar's apprentice, even though his mentor was Swiftbreeze.

Lionheart appears in a dream and talks to the reader about StarClan, describing the afterlife of Clan warriors, their relation to the living cats, and their journey to the Lake. He points out that StarClan cannot influence the life of the Clan cats; the most they can do is to warn them in dreams. He also states that when Firestar became leader, he could see that he would lead the Clan through terrible times with courage and wisdom.

Code of the Clans

Lionpaw appears as an apprentice, eager to prove to the leader, Pinestar, what a good tracker he is. He follows Pinestar out of camp to a Twoleg nest, and sees Pinestar being petted by a Twoleg. Once Pinestar sees Lionpaw, he quickly explains that he was looking for a kittypet that had been trespassing on their territory, and he pretended to be a kittypet once the Twoleg came in. Lionpaw accepts the excuse, thinking his leader is very brave to get so close to Twolegs. Pinestar tells Lionpaw not to tell the Clan, and Lionpaw keeps the secret, hoping he will get a name like 'Lionloyal' or 'Liontrust.'

But, soon after, RiverClan attacks ThunderClan and Lionpaw is sent to find Pinestar. He finds his leader at the Twoleg nest again, and Pinestar finally explains that there was no other kittypet, just him. Lionpaw was confused at first, but finally realizes what happened. Lionpaw convinces Pinestar to tell the rest of ThunderClan the truth: Pinestar was leaving the Clan to become a kittypet.

Pinestar agrees, and goes back to tell the Clan. As Pinestar is leaving, he turns to Lionpaw and says that he has a good spirit, and when it is time for him to receive his warrior name, he should tell Sunfall that he would have called him Lionheart.

Battles of the Clans

He appears as an apprentice in this book, Lionpaw, and he is out on patrol with Swiftbreeze, Sunfall, and Bluepaw. When confronted with trespassing ShadowClan cats headed by Foxheart, Lionpaw becomes frightened, especially when Foxheart threatens him. When his patrol attacks, he becomes swamped with fear and runs away. He finally stops at Snakerocks, and feels ashamed that he abandoned his patrol. He takes refuge in a cave and tries to plan out how he will survive without ThunderClan, thinking he can't go back to them now.

Swiftbreeze and Bluepaw soon arrive, looking for him. At first he tries to hide from them, but becomes disgusted with himself on not being able to face his Clanmates, and comes out. They greet him warmly and tell him that he could come back home. He asks Swiftbreeze if he will be punished, and she tells him that he won't, but Pinestar wants to speak with him. Lionpaw is relieved and promises himself that he'll become a better warrior and understand more about courage.

The Ultimate Guide

First mentioned on Pinestar's page, Lionpaw is the apprentice who discovered that his leader was secretly meeting with a kittypet outside of ThunderClan's territory. Ashamed at being discovered, Pinestar lied to Lionpaw, and say that he was pretending in order to not get attacked while in Twolegplace.

Lionheart is present at Brambleclaw's leader ceremony, and is one of the nine cats to present the ThunderClan cat with a life. He introduces himself, and says that he died in a feud with ShadowClan, long before Brambleclaw was born. The golden tom says that he's watched Brambleclaw grow, and believes that Brambleclaw will make an excellent leader for ThunderClan. Lionheart's life is that of pride in his Clan, and he advises Brambleclaw to honor the legacy of those cats who've gone before him. He gives a nod to Bluestar and Firestar in respect, and continues to speak, saying that the new leader has a chance to shape ThunderClan's destiny, and that Brambleclaw has the courage to lay down new pawsteps, over those who have lead before.

As Lionheart gives Brambleclaw a life, the dark tabby is filled with warm energy, making his fur stand on end. Brambleclaw pictures the whole of ThunderClan around him, and he can feel their support and it empowers him. Brambleclaw thanks Lionheart for his life, to which Lionheart says that it's always an honor to gift another with a life.

In the Short stories and plays

The Elders' Concern

Lionheart is only briefly mentioned by Dappletail, when she comments that he had died the day before Fireheart was appointed deputy, thus making Fireheart's deputy-ship against the Warrior Code.

In the Novellas

Pinestar's Choice

Pinestar has started to take secluded routes to Twolegplace since Lionpaw had caught him with Jake's housefolk. At the time, Pinestar lied to Lionpaw, telling the apprentice that he was trying to find out more about the kittypets.

Later, the apprentice catches him again, asking what Pinestar is doing. He brings news that RiverClan is invading. He tells Lionpaw that he can't come and fight. Lionpaw wonders if the kittypets hurt him, and Pinestar clarifies that there is no kittypet, only him. Lionpaw is confused by what his leader is doing. He exclaims that Clan cats can't be friends with Twolegs. Pinestar tells him that he can't be ThunderClan's leader anymore, and that Lionpaw should go to camp and tell everyone that their leader is dead.

Lionpaw gets angry and in a fury, he exclaims he won't lie for him, and that he'll reveal the truth. Pinestar goes after him and tells him he'll say it himself.

Pinestar then tells ThunderClan that he is leaving to become a kittypet. He tells Lionpaw that Sunfall should name him Lionheart when he has his warrior ceremony.

Coming Soon

Spottedleaf's Heart

Lionheart is seen guarding ThunderClan camp during the night, his golden shape sitting on the other side of the gorse from the medicine den.

Leafpool's Wish

Leafpool dreams with StarClan and Bluestar, Yellowfang, and Lionheart appear in front of her. Lionheart introduces himself, saying he was with Bluestar when Firestar came to the forest. Leafpool says she is honored to meet him, but asks what is going on. Bluestar explains she has a dark future ahead of her, and Lionheart touches his tail on her shoulder. His scent is brave and reassuring as he explains they are going to give her strength. Bluestar reassures Leafpool that they will be with her every pawstep of the way. Half a moon later, Leafpool has figured out what the three StarClan cats meant.

Ravenpaw's Farewell

As Ravenpaw dreams, he sees Lionheart with Bluestar and Whitestorm, each warrior dipping their head in respect. Lionheart gazes at Ravenpaw, saying they have come to do something that should have been done long ago. He offers to give Ravenpaw a warrior name as he earns it through his loyalty, courage and fairness to every cat he has met. Ravenpaw politely refuses and also refuses to have a rank among StarClan when the time comes. Lionheart explains they understand and reassures there is a place for Ravenpaw and Barley. He tells Ravenpaw that he is always welcome in StarClan and promises he will find a way. Lionheart reaches forward to touch his muzzle to Ravenpaw as the tom falls asleep.

Trivia

Interesting facts

• Vicky has said on more than one occasion about the possibility of Lionheart fathering Frostfur's kits,^[18][19] and at least once that Lionheart never fathered kits.^[20]
• Vicky thinks that Smallear may be Lionheart and Goldenflower's father.^[21]

Mistakes

• He has mistakenly been described with yellow eyes,^[22] and shown as a solid colored cat,^[23] despite being a tabby.^[2]
• Although Sunfall was Lionheart's mentor in Secrets of the Clans,^[24] his mentor in Bluestar's Prophecy was Swiftbreeze.^[9]
• In The Elders' Concern, Lionheart was said to be the deputy before Firestar,^[25] even though Tigerstar became deputy after Lionheart died.^[11]
• In The Last Hope, it is said that he gave Firestar a life of justice,^[26] when he really gave him a life of courage,^[27] and Redtail gave him justice.^[27]

Character pixels

Please do not edit this gallery Kit Version Apprentice Version Warrior Version Alternate Warrior Version Deputy Version StarClan Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Lionheart in Code of the Clans

Kin

Members

Mother:

Speckletail:^[3] Deceased, verified StarClan member

Sister:

Goldenflower:^[3] Deceased, verified StarClan member

Half-sister:

Mistlekit:^[28] Status unknown

Half-brother:

Snowkit:^[29] Deceased, verified StarClan member

Tree

    = Male

    = Female

    = Gender Unknown

Quotes

Ceremonies

Lionheart's deputy ceremony
Bluestar: A new deputy must be appointed. But first, let us give thanks to StarClan for the life of Redtail. Tonight he sits with his fellow warriors among the stars. And now I shall name ThunderClan's new deputy. I say these words before the body of Redtail, so that his spirit may hear and approve my choice. Lionheart, will be the new deputy of ThunderClan. Reference: Into the Wild, page 51

References and citations

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 47
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5} Revealed in Into the Wild, allegiances
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5} Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 48
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} Revealed in Into the Wild, page 197
5. ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 143
6. ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 360
7. ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 101
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1} Revealed in Into the Wild, page 51
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1} Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 176
10. ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 72
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1} Revealed in Into the Wild, page 199
12. ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 45
13. ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 180
14. ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 270
15. ↑ Revealed in The Sight, page 183
16. ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 17
17. ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 249
18. ↑ Revealed onVicky's Facebook
19. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's facebook page
20. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's facebook page
21. ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
22. ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 407
23. ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 520
24. ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 23
25. ↑ Revealed in The Elders' Concern, undefined
26. ↑ Revealed in The Last Hope, page 329
27. ↑ ^{27.0 27.1} Revealed in The Darkest Hour, pages 48-54
28. ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, page 16
29. ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 44
30. ↑ ^{30.0 30.1} Revealed in Goosefeather's Curse, chapter 8
31. ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 116
32. ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 153
33. ↑ ^{33.0 33.1} Revealed in Rising Storm, pages 19-20
34. ↑ ^{34.0 34.1 34.2} Revealed in Dark River, pages 20-21
35. ↑ ^{35.0 35.1} Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, page 8
36. ↑ ^{36.0 36.1} Revealed in The Apprentice's Quest, page 9
37. ↑ ^{37.0 37.1 37.2} Revealed in Thunder and Shadow, page 348
38. ↑ ^{38.0 38.1 38.2} Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, chapter 18
39. ↑ ^{39.0 39.1} Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 467
40. ↑ Revealed in A Dangerous Path, page 81